Author:

Thomas Wangler
(Los Alamos National Laboratory and Michigan State University)

An overview of the principles, history, and technology of linear
accelerators is presented. Topics include accelerating structures, beam
dynamics, superconducting linacs, linac applications, and some major linac
facilities. Linear accelerators have made major contributions to physics
research including neutron sources, colliding electron-positron beams, X-ray
FELs, and heavy-ion rare-isotope beams. In addition electron linacs are used
in hospitals around the world generating X-rays for radiation therapy, an
application that represents one of the most significant spins-offs of
high-energy and nuclear physics research.

To cite this abstract, use the following reference: http://meetings.aps.org/link/BAPS.2011.APR.E6.2